Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was at the centre of a racial incident during yesterday’s Champions League clash against Benfica, which saw the match halted for nearly 10 minutes amid emotional scenes at the Stadium of Light.

According to reports, Vinícius was allegedly racially insulted by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in the 52nd minute.

The Brazilian forward, who is of Afro-Brazilian descent, immediately reported the abuse to referee François Letexier, prompting the activation of UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.

“Racists are, first and foremost, cowards,” Vinícius wrote on Instagram after the match, sharing a photo of his celebration near Benfica’s corner flag. “What happened today is not news to me or to my family’s life. I was shown a yellow card for celebrating a goal, and I still don’t understand why.”

The incident began after Vinícius scored the decisive goal to give Real Madrid a 1-0 lead. Benfica fans reacted negatively, dancing near the corner flag and throwing bottles and other objects toward Madrid players.

Prestianni reportedly said something to Vinícius while covering his mouth with his jersey, prompting the forward to approach the referee and point at his opponent.

Real Madrid teammates, including Kylian Mbappé and midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, considered leaving the pitch but ultimately stayed, supporting Vinícius while the match was temporarily halted. Mbappé reportedly asked Vinícius to decide on how to proceed.

Benfica manager José Mourinho commented after the match, arguing that Vinícius provoked fans with his celebration but also lamented the persistent racism in football, noting: “There is something wrong, because this happens at every stadium. Where Vinícius played, something happens. Always.”

Despite the stoppage, the match resumed in the 60th minute, though Vinícius continued to face whistles, jeers, and even had a bottle thrown near the touchline.

UEFA and the Brazilian Football Confederation have expressed full support for Vinícius, praising his courage and dignity in confronting racism.

The incident casts a spotlight once again on the ongoing fight against discrimination in football, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of anti-racism measures across European competitions.